Space Brief 15 May 2025
Today's brief highlights a nuclear battery startup's funding boost, advisory board additions in the space sector, and key military updates impacting space operations.
STARLINK-5968 (56010)
COSPAR: 2023-042AA | Alt Name: Starlink 5968
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56010
International Designator
2023-042AA
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:12:59 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
33.54°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
261.90°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-5968
Alternative Name
Starlink 5968
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56010U 23042AA 26200.80069087 -.00002731 00000+0 -89789-4 0 9990
2 56010 43.0051 33.5437 0002058 261.8999 98.1619 15.27558463183070
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-5968 satellite, also known as Starlink 5968, was launched on March 24, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink Group 5-5-25 mission and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans up to 9 meters with its solar arrays extended. Its dry mass is 290 kilograms, with a launch mass of 305 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes along with an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and relies on solar panels and batteries for power supply.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
290
Launch Mass
305
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 5-5-25
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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